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"American Graffiti" stars: Where are they now?

"American Graffiti"

It was shot in Northern California on a tight budget over the course of 29 days -- nobody expected "American Graffiti" to become a hit when it was first released in the summer of 1973. But audiences connected with the film's nostalgic tale of a group of high school graduates cruising around listening to rock-n-roll favorites. Directed and co-written by George Lucas, "American Graffiti" features vignettes documenting the night of a group of teenagers in the 1960s.

The sequel, "More American Graffiti," reunited much of the cast and crew (with the exceptions of Richard Dreyfuss and Lucas), but that film was considered somewhat of a dud in comparison with the original.

Click through to what else the stars have been up to over the last 40 years.

Credit: Universal Pictures

Ron Howard as Steve

Howard was perhaps the most well-known cast member of "American Graffiti" at the time of the film's release. He was just 6 years old when he began appearing on "The Andy Griffith Show" as Sheriff Taylor's son Opie, a role which he went on to play for eight seasons. At 18, Howard was looking to break away from his Mayberry image when he was cast as Steve Bolander, a high school graduate who feels pressure from his local girlfriend not to leave their small town behind to attend college in the East.

Credit: Universal Pictures

Ron Howard

One year after the release of "American Graffiti," Howard found more success as Richie Cunningham on TV's "Happy Days," another nostalgic project set during the time of hot-rods and drive-ins. Following "Happy Days," Howard went on to become a prominent Oscar-winning director, with hits like "Splash," Cocoon," "Backdraft," "Apollo 13," "A Beautiful Mind" and "The Da Vinci Code." Howard also serves as the executive producer and narrator of the cult series, "Arrested Development." Married to wife Cheryl since 1974, Howard has four children, two of whom (Bryce Dallas and Paige) have also become actors.

Credit: Universal Pictures

Richard Dreyfuss as Curt

Dreyfuss beat out about 100 other unknown actors at the time for the role of main character Curt, who, like Howard's character, also had trouble deciding whether or not he really wanted to leave his small-town life behind for a fresh start at college.

Credit: Universal Pictures

Richard Dreyfuss

"American Graffiti" gave Dreyfuss great exposure. He used that success to launch a high-profiled film career, with starring roles in two of Steven Spielberg's biggest hits, "Jaws" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." In 1978, Dreyfuss scored a best actor Oscar for "The Goodbye Girl" before achieving more accolades in 1980s and 1990s with his performances in films like "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" and "Mr. Holland's Opus." Dreyfuss turns 66 in October and he still continues to work steadily. According to IMDb, Dreyfuss has four upcoming film releases either completed or in post-production.

Credit: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

Harrison Ford as Bob Falfa

Ford was also a bit actor when he was cast in the relatively small but pivotal role of the cowboy hat-wearing out-of-towner Bob Falfa, whose need for speed almost ends in tragedy.

Credit: Universal Pictures

Harrison Ford

Ford teamed up with George Lucas, the director of "American Graffiti," once again for the original "Star Wars" trilogy before going on to hits "Blade Runner," "Witness," "Working Girl," "The Fugitive," "Air Force One" and "The Indiana Jones" films among others. In the years that have followed "American Graffiti," the iconic roles of Hans Solo and Indiana Jones have helped Ford become a cinematic legend. Even today, the 71-year-old actor still stands at the top of Hollywood's A-list. Upcoming roles include a part in "Anchorman: The Legend Continues," as well a planned fifth "Indiana Jones" installment. There's also been talk of Ford possibly reprising his Solo role for Disney's upcoming "Star Wars" sequel. As if he doesn't have enough going on, Ford is set to star in "The Expendables 3."

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Mackenzie Phillips as Carol

Daughter of The Mamas and The Papas frontman John Phillips, young Mackenzie was just 12 at the time of filming when she played annoying teenybopper Carol.

Credit: Universal Pictures

Mackenzie Phillips

Phillips went on to star in the classic TV sitcom "One Day At A Time," but was forced to leave the series after suffering from drug abuse. The former child star, who says she first tried cocaine when she was 11, went on to battle addiction for decades. In 2009, Philips released a memoir "High on Arrival" and went on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to discuss her allegations of having a ten-year-long sexual relationship with her own father.

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Charles Martin Smith as Terry

Smith played Terry "Toad" Fields, a socially-awkward teen who gains confidence when he gets the keys to a 1958 Chevy Impala.

Credit: Universal Pictures

Charles Martin Smith

Smith continued his acting career but, like Howard, now works primarily behind the camera. He directed 2010's "Dolphin Tale," a box office hit starring Harry Connick, Jr. and Ashley Judd. Smith is currently working on "Dolphin Tale 2," scheduled for release in 2014.

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Paul Le Mat as John

Le Mat won a Golden Globe award in 1975 for his performance in "American Graffiti" as John Milner.

Credit: Universal Pictures

Paul Le Mat

Le Mat won his second Golden Globe for the 1984 TV movie, "The Burning Bed." Now 67, Le Mat's career has quieted down over the years, with his most recent film role of note being 1998's "American History X."

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Candy Clark as Debbie

Clark was nominated for a best supporting actress Oscar for her performance as the hard-to-impress Debbie.

Credit: Universal Pictures

Candy Clark

The now-66-year-old actress has enjoyed a steady stream of film and TV roles over the years. Clark's landed roles in notable films after "American Graffiti" including "Blue Thunder," "Cat's Eye" and "At Close Range." Clark also had a brief cameo in the film version of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer." Her more recent films include "Zodiac" and "The Informant!" In 2012, Clark made a guest appearance on CBS' "Criminal Minds."

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Cindy Williams as Laurie

Williams played the high school sweetheart of Ron Howard's character.

Credit: Universal Pictures

Cindy Williams

Williams is best remembered for her role as Shirley on the buddy sitcom "Laverne and Shirley," which aired from 1976-1983. Williams had initially originated the Shirley role on Howard's "Happy Days." Over the years, Williams has made a number of TV guest appearances on shows including "Touched by an Angel," "7th Heaven," "8 Simple Rules," and "Law & Order: SVU." Williams turns 66 on Aug. 22.

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Suzanne Somers as girl in car

Somers played the role of the mysterious blonde girl in the car who mouths "I love you" at a traffic stop. Dreyfuss' character Curt thought of her as a "goddess."

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Suzanne Somers

Somers became a TV star and household name later in the 1970s as dim-witted blonde Chrissy Snow on "Three's Company." She then went on to become an infomercial star in the 1980s as a Thighmaster spokeswoman. In 1991, Somers returned to the sitcom world with "Step by Step," which lasted for seven seasons. In 2001, Somers was diagnosed with breast cancer and received some criticism when she sought alternative treatments for the disease. Now 66, Somers sells her own line of health and beauty products.

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Wolfman Jack as Disc Jockey

Wolfman Jack played a fictionalized version of himself in the film -- a disc jockey Dreyfuss' character Curt was dying to meet. Curt didn't even realize it when he came face-to-face with the Wolfman.

Credit: Universal Pictures

Wolfman Jack

Wolfman Jack died in 1995 of a heart attack at 57. The rock 'n' roll disc jockey was known for his gravelly voice and trademark wolf howls.